Celtic wingers rated as former star sends warning to James Forrest sceptics

Simon Donnelly reckons Ange Postecoglou is spoiled for choice when it comes to wide men but no one should write off the man who’s been there longer than any of them. Jota and Liel Abada have been Celtic’s wing kings in the last 12 months with Daizen Maeda making a big impression and new signing Sead Haksabanovic coming in towards the end of the transfer window.

All four were involved at various stages in Sunday’s shock defeat at St Mirren but Donnelly reckons there can still be a role for serial winner James Forrest. The attacker might be 31 these days but he still looks like the fresh-faced youngster who burst into the side 12 years ago before going on to hoover up an incredible 20 winners’ medals over his glittering time at Parkhead.

Forrest has struggled with injury issues over the last 18 months but he’s back to fitness and banging on the door again – with boss Ange Postecoglou recently rewarding the wide man with a new three year deal. Former Hoops attacker Donnelly knows his old side have a raft of talented wingers but he’s convinced there’s life left in the Celtic stalwart.

He said: “James still has a part to play. He has his work cut out trying to get in the team with the guys around him. He is no spring chicken anymore. But, he has still shown he has the quality. He wouldn’t be here otherwise. If I am a young boy then I would be picking the brains of James and (first team coach) Harry Kewell.

“It is an invaluable experience watching how these guys go about their business and training with them. When I was coming through it was great to be around guys like Paul McStay and John Collins. I’m sure the young boys will be doing exactly the same with James. James has shown time and time again he is a big time